The origins of the MacShack started circa 1990 when I was in grade
school, and had my first exposure to Apple computers. At that time, my
school had mostly Apple IIe computers, on which I learned typing and
played other "educational" games like Oregon Trail, Number Munchers,
Cross Country USA and the like. Gradually, the school transitioned over
the various models of Macintosh computers, including the SE, LC and
Classic. ClarisWorks and HyperCard were programs that we used daily,
and also Netscape when we got our first exposure to the graphical
Internet--there was also a bit of Gopher and Lynx before that, on the
text-based Internet. Although I didn't own a Mac of my own at the time,
it set the stage for a lifetime of tinkering with computers and
electronics.

The first iterations of the store started around 2004, when I used a
simple website as a catalog for the various items that I scrounged up
from friends, garage sales, eBay lots and other sources. Ordering was
done via e-mail and PayPal, and the majority of my customers were from
various Mac communities, such as LowEndMac and Jeg's. Around 2008, I
upgraded and created a real webstore with Zencart, which brought
standard webstore features to the party such as automated inventory
tracking, ordering and payment. I can't say that the store was ever
very "pretty", as my web skills have generally emphasied the
functionality of a site rather than eye candy.

Unfortunately, my current work situation has me away from home for
extended periods of time, which makes maintaining the website and
filling orders very difficult. Therefore, for the time being, I have to
put MacShack.us on "hold" until things return to normal and I can
dedicate more time to the store. Although it's never been a sustaining
business for me, I've enjoyed working on the store over the years,
serching high and low to bring you the best deals on classic Apple
& Macintosh systems, accessories, parts and other gear. That
said, my inventory is still intact and there is a possiblity that I can
resume opertions when things quiet down on the employment front and I
can take care of the maintenance and order-filling needs of the store.
Another possibility is that the MacShack will be closed for good, and I
will be looking to liquitdate the majority of my inventory.

I'd like to extend a thanks to all my customers, and fellow Classic Mac
enthusiasts over the years who have helped me keep the store going, and
to help keep as many of the great old Macs and Mac stuff out of
dumpsters and landfills. Although I too feel the need for the latest
and greatest technology, I try and balance it with a modicum of
sustainability and believe that all technology can be useful to the
right people in the right places--even if it's just something to play
around with and reminicse about the golden days of Macintosh computing.
I highly encourage everyone to recycle their old technology, and help
out nonprofits like FreeGeek
and others that refurbish old technology and get it into the hands of
people who can appreciate it--and recycle it if it's no longer of any
use.